Trade unions insist that the poverty line be adjusted to the small consumer basket

published on 9/2/25 9:20 AM

Photo: bia-bg.com

The National Council for Tripartite Cooperation is discussing the new size of the poverty line for 2026.

The Bulgarian government determines the poverty line based on the Eurostat study "Statistics on Income and Living Conditions" and proposes that the amount be 382 euros, which is 19.7% more than the previous 319 euros.

In its opinion, the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions insists that the poverty line be 400 euros to reflect inflation of the small consumer basket. In addition, the union also wants an annual assessment of the adequacy of the line, by comparing it with a purpose-designed consumer basket that would guarantee the social minimum per person in the household.

For its part, the Podkrepa Labor Union points out that the poverty line should be linked to the actual cost of living in order to guarantee adequate social protection and a decent standard of living for the vulnerable and lowest-income groups of the population.

Employers' organizations support the government's proposed amount for next year, arguing that the current regulations have been implemented correctly and the calculations are correct. The Bulgarian Industrial Association believes that a model that allows for a 20% growth is good, since average incomes are growing by 12 to 14%.

Edited by Darina Grigorova
English: R. Petkova

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Trade unions insist that the poverty line be adjusted to the small consumer basket

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